Centre given Royal seal of approval

WARRINGTON’S showpiece Centre for Independent Living was given the Royal Seal of approval when it was officially opened by the Queen’s representative Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs.
Based in an old school building on Beaufort Street, Warrington, the building has been transformed into a new look HQ for Warrington Disability Partnership providing wide ranging services to help people with disabilities and their families.
The Lord Lieutenant said he was honoured to be opening the “fantastic facility” on behalf of the Queen.
The £1.2m refurbishment project was made possible thanks to a successful funding bid to the Big Lottery Community Assets Fund, in partnership with Warrington Borough Council.
Further funding from WREN and individual WDP supporters has further enhanced the project.
WDP Chairman Dave Thompson thanked the various organisations and individuals who had all supported the project, which had started from humble beginings at the Dallam Day Centre in a 3m sq cupboard!
Dave said:”We now have a fit for purpose building we can all be proud of. I would like to thank everyone that has made this happen including the brough council, WREN, The Big Lottery Fund and all our supporters, with a special mention for the fundraising efforts of our team, our families and our friends.”
The centre is now home to 43 of WDP’s 45 staff and 103 of 117 volunteers. More than 40 projects are deleivered from the CIL plus co-ordniation of various outreach services.

The centre now includes:
*A new two storey workshop providing a base for mobility equipment recycling, maintenance and training service
* An additional meeting room in a conservatory style extension from the new community cafe
* An additional single storey extension housing new computer training facilities
* An innovative mobility training and test track for users of mobility equipment including electric scooters and wheelchairs.

The CIL also offers a wide range of other WDP services that promote independence throughout life and work including employment, direct payments, a Discover IT Training Suite, Leisure Recreation & Sport, Welfare Benefits, Sex & Disability Matters, Accessible Caravan, Accessible Narrow-boat, Shopmobility,General Advice and local forums.
It also offers information on Social Services, Wheelchair Service, Carers Centre, Disability Support Groups, Handyman Services, Care-call Services and much more.
For more details about the free pickup and drop-off service please contact a member of the team on 01925 240064 or email [email protected]

Pictures show David Briggs performing the official opening with the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Cllr and Mrs Steve Wright and WDP Chairman Dave Thompson.